House used by Mishawaka park office available

City says it can be leased, or bought and moved.

City says it can be leased, or bought and moved.

January 19, 2009|By SUE LOWE Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA Â? Despite a tough real estate market, the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Board is hoping someone is looking for a house with seven rooms to lease or buy. Available to lease is the former park department office building on the north side of Lincoln Way West tucked between KateÂ?s Garden and the cityÂ?s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Or, an interested party could buy it and move it somewhere else. The city isnÂ?t interested in selling the land.

The colonial revival house, built in 1925, once was used as the home for the manager of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, park superintendent Mike Faulkner said.

Â?I think he had to be close by and keep an eye on it,Â? Faulkner said.

The park department bought the house for $1 in 1995 and remodeled it for use as an office. Then last year, park offices were moved to City Hall as a cost-saving measure.

Now the park department is looking for proposals for use of the house. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 9.

According to the request for proposals, the house has seven rooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom. The house includes three floors and a basement that can be used for storage.

Faulkner said the building is in a great location.

Â?ItÂ?s on the outskirts of downtown Mishawaka and a hop, skip and a jump to South Bend,Â? he said.

The city is willing to only lease the house for a minimum of five years, and it canÂ?t be used for any business that involves the sale or use of alcohol, tobacco or firearms.

Game arcades, pool halls, private clubs and lodges also wonÂ?t be allowed. The park board also can reject any proposal for a use members donÂ?t think is appropriate next to a city park.

If you buy the building and move it, the only restrictions are those with the zoning where it is moved.

The average of two appraisals is $128,000, but the board hasnÂ?t set a minimum bid. City planner Ken Prince said the board doesnÂ?t have to accept the highest bid.

Members can consider how those who submit proposals plan to use the old house.

The park staff is looking for serious bidders only. It will cost you $10 to pick up a copy of the request for proposals, and every proposal must be accompanied by a $1,000 good-faith deposit.

For information, contact Faulkner at (574) 258-1664 or mfaulkner@mishawakacity.com.